#I'll have a small and extremely dangerous army

[arrgh-whatever]

[redtsundere-writes]

Chapter 1: Ear Cleaning

King!SukunaRyomen x Servant!FemReader

Summary: You used to be just another servant among the army of humans operating under the command of the terrible king, Sukuna Ryomen. An ordinary human who only knows how to wash, clean and cook. Until one day, he notices something in you that you hadn't seen before.

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A/N: From popular demand, I'll post the fic here too. Enjoy! :3

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Sukuna walked through the hollow corridors, illuminated by the dark sun that ruled among the kingdoms. His long, heavy footsteps made the marble floor rumble under his weight. His sharp profile, tattooed shoulders and large body, contrasted by the reddish sky of the cursed land, terrified any small human who encountered him on the way. A king who could control anything thanks to the terror that his gigantic size and absolute power conveyed.

He had the power on his hands to kill whatever and whenever he wanted like an omnipotent god, but enjoyed watching his rats run around to obey his mercy. It amused him to play with his servants to the point of making them cry, tremble or, in extreme cases, commit suicide. He had plenty of servants, so he could afford to kill as many as he wanted. The poor uniformed humans shivered if his dark eyes rested on them. They all tried to avoid him at all costs to avoid performing tasks that involved being near him, especially cleaning his ears.

Being a monster with senses sharpened to the max, he hated having his ears touched, but it was necessary for him to clean them to have his five senses ready for any battle. He is not ticklish, but his ears are the most sensitive part of his entire body. He could clean his own ears himself, but what kind of almighty, powerful king would clean his own ears when others could do it?

His eyes navigated through the long and endless corridors of the terrifying castle where he lived with all his subjects. The king's home was a place where darkness, cold, and uncertainty dominated the atmosphere. Even though it was surrounded by luxuries, it felt more like a secret attic than a castle fit for a king. Opaque silver chandeliers, red candles parading on the walls and furniture upholstered with exotic fabrics from around the world decorated each room that was commonly surrounded by portraits made by hundreds of artists who feared for their lives.

His predatory eyes sought out the first unfortunate servant that crossed his path. The bristles of a broom scrubbing the floor caught his attention. Sukuna spotted a small figure sweeping one of the many guest rooms. There you were, humming softly a song from your childhood as the broom danced from side to side. You were so focused on your task that you didn't notice the king standing dangerously close to you. As you turned around, you suddenly bumped into his imposing body, giving you a mini heart attack. Dressed in elegant robes, gold rings on each finger and with a wicked grin on his face, he was looking at you as if you were a despicable creature he could get rid of in the blink of an eye.

You were the youngest and most inexperienced servant in the entire castle. You had not been living there for more than two months, so your direct interactions with the king had been few. Sukuna examined you from head to toes. He remembered you perfectly from the day he met you. Your neatly combed pigtails with two white bows showed off your innocence, the apron accentuated your small waist and the long brown skirt covered your promising legs. He accepted it, you were cute. Other than that, you were a disgusting human like everyone else, but there was something about you that caught his attention. Sukuna didn't know exactly what it was that you had. For the time being, he would continue to treat you as you deserved for being a nasty rat. Immediately, you knelt before your majesty. Your head rested in your hands against the freshly swept floor, your fingers barely touching his feet because of the closeness.

“Are you having fun?” Sukuna asked, sarcastic.

“No, my king,” you answered quickly, avoiding making eye contact.

Sukuna placed one of his bare feet on your back. The oppressive weight crushed you against the cold floor. You prayed inwardly that your bones wouldn't start to creak. You bit your lower lip and closed your eyes tightly to avoid letting out a moan of pain. Having satisfied his need to show the new maid who her master is, he removed his foot from your agonizing back. You took a deep breath to refill your lungs with air.

“To my room. Now,” he ordered without deigning to look at you before leaving the room. You remained on the floor, slowly catching your breath. A metal taste touched your tongue. You bit your lower lip so hard that it was bleeding.

This was the first time he ordered something directly to you. Usually you followed Uraume's general instructions like everyone else. You sat up slowly to regain what little balance you had left. You followed him to his room as he had ordered. Your heart was going to burst out of your chest from how nervous you were. As your small steps echoed like a pleasant trickle in the gloom, the servants came out of their hiding spots to quickly sign you to wish you the best of luck and that you would make it out of his room alive. That only put more pressure on you.

You entered your majesty's luxurious room. Your eyes were fascinated to see so many extravagances in one place. Crystal chandeliers, rugs made of exotic animals and gold decorative pieces. All the furniture was precisely designed to suit his majesty's tastes and everything was neatly arranged. Unlike the rest of the castle, his room was a museum full of expensive artworks that the average person could not even imagine existed.

The great, fearsome monster was laying on a red satin-covered divan. His eyes were closed, his four arms crossed over his broad chest, and his legs barely touched the floor due to the impressive length of the seat. You approached him carefully so as not to ruin his peace. Next to the divan, there was a wooden cabinet with all the necessary tools to groom him thoroughly.

“Clean my ears,” he ordered in a gruff voice, cocking his head over the rest for you to begin immediately. “You better do a good job,” he threatened you. You swallowed dryly because it would be the first time you would touch his majesty and, if you did it wrong, the last.

You pulled out the necessary tools and knelt in front of his head. As expected, the king smelled exquisite. It was strong, woody and addictive. His pink hair was soft to the touch, but you tried to avoid touching it so as not to muss it. You dedicated yourself to cleaning the outside of his ear with a swab, focusing on the helix and the back of the ear. Your hands were delicate around his sensitive ears, and the friction did not bother him because it was minimal and warm.

Sukuna's body began to relax as time passed. If he didn’t focus enough, he could fall asleep. He felt a shiver run down his back as you stuck a small wooden spatula into his ear to remove the excess earwax that prevented him from hearing well. You carefully dug so as not to hurt him. You could feel his discomfort in the way he squeezed his eyelids with each movement you made.

“Let me know if I get too deep, my king,” you said with a shaky voice.

“Just do your damn job,” he answered grudgingly.

You continued cleaning his ear little by little. The task was not as complicated as you thought, but you could not let your guard down with a king who could decide your fate with a snap of his fingers. After wiping the outside with absorbent cotton, you were finally done with the first ear. Sukuna was falling asleep until you asked him if he could lie down on his opposite side so you could proceed with the other one. He did so with a grunt of annoyance, as he was very comfortable on that side, while the divan creaked under the shift of his weight.

You took a deep breath. All you had to do was repeat what you had already done, and you would finish the task alive. You watched mesmerized as Sukuna's tattooed chest rose and fell from his steady breathing. Sukuna let out a whimper as soon as you stuck the spatula in too deep. You already felt your throat being slit for a simple mistake.

“Be careful! Can’t you do something so simple?” He grumbled.

You apologized immediately and continued on your task as you lowered your head in fear. “Damn humans,” he thought with a frown. As soon as your magic fingers touched his ear, he got over his anger and returned to the oasis of relaxation where he drifted off.

Sukuna let out a yawn as soon as you finished. A proud smile of your own escaped your lips. You had survived your first direct order. You glanced at the time on the large gold clock hanging over the door. It was getting late, and you had to get back to the kitchen soon to help with the dinner preparations. You returned the utensils to their respective places and got up to politely leave the place.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Sukuna asked you as he got up from the divan to move to his giant bed. “Massage my head,” he ordered once again. You nodded obediently.

His majesty's bed was lined with the softest fabrics in the world. The silk pillows were engraved with the flags of the kingdom, the blankets were of pure wool and the mattress appeared to be made of goose feathers. Sukuna's heavy head was on your comfortable lap. Your soft thighs were softer than his own pillows. Your magic fingers massaged his temples in circles. You could hear him purring subtly like a contented kitten, even though he was physically not as cute as one.

Before long, Sukuna was fast asleep. Seeing his eyes closed and his light breathing, you decided to go back with the other servants to continue your work. As soon as you got off the bed, he felt his heat provider leave his side. Before you could continue your way to the exit, you heard that terrible voice behind you.

“Who told you could leave?” You froze in place and turned to face him. His red eyes looked at you with disdain, more on the terrifying side. “Come here,” your heart did a backflip after hearing that command.

More than an order, it ended up being a warning. He pulled you by the white apron to capture you in his four strong arms. The warmth of his body and yours merged, causing the temperature to rise between you. Your body began to sweat from nerves. You didn't know what his intention was with you. You had never been with a man like this before, let alone a curse tyrant twice your size. All worry disappeared from your mind once he began to stroke your body slowly, taking care not to scratch you with his long black claws.

From your soft hands to your nice hips to your curious feet, every part of your body felt right against his. He roughly snuggled against you like you were a huge teddy bear that needed to stay still. That was all you were to him, a tool to get what he wanted. He wanted a clean castle, a fresh garden, and, right now, a warm plushie for his nap time. You were just a toying for his satisfaction.

His chest slowly moving against your back let you know that his majesty fell asleep. Sukuna did not snore as you thought he would. He let out a fainter and quieter sound, it was almost like a kitten with a stuffy nose. His arms around your waist and shoulders, his heavy breathing and comfortable bicep as a pillow encouraged you to fall asleep next to him. “His majesty's orders,” you thought, so you wouldn't feel so guilty about taking a nap during working hours.

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[grace19rob]

BREATHLESS

Chapter Four

When Y/N Clearwater meekly stepped into the Cullen’s home that fateful afternoon, she never expected she would fall so utterly in love with such a forbidden idea - if only that coven had known better to stay away, she’d never had gotten into this mess…

Hi everyone, this is my first story on here - I hope everyone enjoys it as not many people write for the Egyptian Coven (which is a crime itself). I will be coming back to edit this and revamp it once i'm feeling a bit more comfortable, any ideas, comments or suggestions are welcome as I'd love to interact with all of yous! Feel free to drop a message or comment any time and I'll get back to yous as soon as I can :)

I once again found myself surrounded by the multitude of the Cullen's vampiric guests as we stood surrounding Edward as he discussed the peaceful approach we would be taking in regard to the audience with the Volturi.

"I'm not asking yous to fight unprovoked, I simply need to be able to rely on all of you if we need to" he stated, " I know it is a lot to ask of you all, especially the pack" he turned to us as we stood further from the larger group. "This is more dangerous for yous, yous can be hurt or even killed if it comes to that" we all mulled over his declaration as we silently looked between one another.

Seth stepped forward, "I'll stand by Jake no matter what he decides" he proudly stated, ever the lost little puppy, and all eyes turned to pin him in place.

"I guess I have to as well then" Leah begrudgingly mumbled as she tugged Seth back into his place between her and Jacob while I stood to her right.

All eyes turned to me, awaiting my answer I finally spat out a "As long as it is alright with Sam - I can't go against the Alpha, but I'll speak to him". My face heat up as I scanned the crowd of staring vampire, particularly catching on the Egyptian Coven, who I'd became so familiar with during the course of the day.

Amun caught my eye as he smiled briefly and nodded, seemingly a kind attempt to put me at ease under all the scrutiny while Kebi smiled brightly making my heart flutter in my chest. Clearing my throat I turned my attention back to Edward as I caught a flicker of shock and surprise pass through his timeless features.

The sun died down a few hours later as the group sat surrounding the blazing fire pit, situated in small groups forming a larger cohort trading stories from their long extremely captivating lives.

Garrett had just finished his tale, describing his multitude of fights on the front line of centuries worth of wars when the Cullen's previous confrontation with the so called 'new born army' was brought up - almost instantly capturing every person present's attention.

Emmett, stood scarily close to the fire and shouting exaggerated stories from the horrible day, began spieling about how the wolves had eaten some of the newborns. Only then did I pipe up "We didn't eat any of the vampires Emmett" I yelled over the sound of the vampiric laughter.

"You should have seen Y/N, big and fluffy, tearing off these idiots' arms as they charged for the pack! God, if my heart hadn't stopped beating years ago, I truly think it would have the moment she bit one of the men charging straight for Rosalie's head straight off" he yelled as he nudged my shoulder, somehow having made his way from the fire to me without me noticing within moments, teasing me and making the group laugh.

"Yeah, well someone had to save Rapunzel while you were off acting like a fool" I teased as Rosalie rolled her eyes, smirking, and Emmett feigned being in pain.

Laughter died down as vampires began to disperse in search of 'food', I soon found myself sitting next to Tia, warming my hands by the fire.

"It sounds like you're pretty good at handling things yourself" she said softly, referencing Emmett's earlier story.

"Yeah, growing up surrounded by rowdy boys who fight over the last muffin kinda forces you to look after yourself sometimes" I laughed, gently bumping my shoulder into hers as she smiled at me.

"Sometimes it's nice to have someone else look after you though" Tia whispered, leaning into my shoulder as if there were a secret to be shared, "mayb-"

"Tia, if you could come with me please, we need to make our final decision about what we are going to do as a Coven" Kebi said gently as she approaching, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder as she softly glanced down at me, smiling and squeezing lightly as she pulled away, Tia leaving with the soft hand, "I'll see you soon dear".

"Think about it" Tia purred as Kebi led her away by her hand, my eyes drawn to the connected palms as I mulled over Tia's statements, curiosity bubbling up from within me.

Eventually I made my way to find Seth, he was situated next to Tanya in the living room. Smiling softly I walked over and sat down next to them, startling Seth as he sprang up straight from his relaxed position on the couch.

"Relax" I mumbled leaning back and closing my eyes and patting his leg. I wasn't about to judge him for cozying up next to Tanya when I'd been practically following the Egyptian Coven around all day, drooling all over them like some over-excited huge dog.

"Busy day huh" Tayna questioned as Seth relaxed in his position between us, I could practically hear the smile in her voice as she lent into Seth's side.

"You could say that" I mumbled as I slowly began drifting off, only slightly aware that I was still technically in enemy territory - but in the relaxed environment of the Cullen's living room I couldn't help but want to finally sleep, the stress and anxiety from that morning finally catching up to me.

"Get some rest - you're going to need it for training tomorrow" Tanya advised as she slowly stroked Seth's dark hair - I'll need to ask him about this later, maybe when I'm not half asleep though...

[theflybitteneye]

WIP ROUND UP!

NOT FOR SALE!

To do:

Fix her hand (oopsie I broke it.)

Finish sewing her bloomers.

Finish sewing her blazer.

Finish her stockings (including a stump cover for her leg.)

Make her wig.

Make a hat (bowler or bonnet? Still undecided.)

Make her shoes (booties? Slippers?)

Make her umbrella gun (inspired by the real life Bulgarian Umbrella.)

Here's my thicc, steampunk, WW1 black-and-white, vaguely Silent-Era cartoon, one armed, one legged prostitute-assasine Smart Doll WIP. If that seems like a dense concept, you need to get on my level of neurodivergency, clearly.

The idea behind her is she's like, this "exotic entertainer" in a vaguely turn-of-the-century WW1 steampunk setting. She officially employed under the ruse of being something like an all-in-one, singer, dancer, conversationalist, "professional company and party attendant for high-powered men and women" escort. Soft, feminine, "silly," and physically disabled, she's actually a highly effective contract killer who gets away with it by acting like a helpless empty headed bimbo who uses people's own mysogyny and people's prejudice against her being obviously disabled and a sex worker to her advantage.

The kind of backstory I had in mind was that she managed to survive a bombing of her hometown when she was little that took both her right limbs and caused severe nerve damage. Due to an error in message decoding, her town was reported to be taken by enemy forces. The monarchy, taken by spurise by this development and panicking due to the geographic advantage of the localtion for attack on the capital, opted to hastily bomb it without any other evidence or confirming how the opposition's army could have taken the town without them knowing until now. They didn't know until after the whole area had been leveled they just blew up their own citizens over a mistake. It left her (pun not intended, but welcomed, ha) fighting to balance chronic pain and addiction to painkillers for the rest of her life, and surviving on sheer spite for authoritarian incompetence. She loves destroying the lives of high powered figures as much as she loves being paid for it. Because her ability to feel pain had been altered so drastically, she can take a hit, stabbing, and even a gunshot like it's nothing so long as it isn't lethal. The extreme sports of "when life gives you lemons." Her go-to weapon is her parasole that fires small poison pellets at close range, that can also be converted into a disguised sniper rifle by swapping out attachments. Her signature trick to things going tits up is letting herself get battered up a bit, than crying on command like a helpless girl. Pitiful as possible. She can hold her own in a brawl, but it's often more effective to let her targets attack her and make a big scene. Have them die slow painful deaths hours later when their organs give out seemingly out of nowhere in the company of witnesses after she's long been "saved" by her handlers. Assault being common for escorts in her line of work, no one thinks the wiser. Even if they do, she's just a "poor, simple, crippled girl" who just got beaten up by a client, how would that make them look if they accused her of fowl play?

I'm not really writing a story persay in mind for this character, it's more so just the fun of character development and narrative through character design, but maybe I'll use the idea somewhere someday. Really I just love that contrast of innocently dangerous, and wanted her to physically embody that. As an animator, obviously, that Silent Era aesthetic is something I'm living for. Osamu Tezuka is post-WW2 obviously, but the vibes I'm kind of going for is if he worked for Fleischer Studios. Blackjack, but make it Out of the Inkwell.

Her eyes are handmade and hand painted out of acrylic, and her body's obviously very heavily moded. I gave her much more generous cleavage, and tried to give her the chubbyiest thighs, tummy and butt I thought I could get away with, but, looking at her I think I might have been able to give her some more pudge. For anyone unfamiliar with the issues with trying to mod base dolls into plus sizes, the joints can pose problems when making it look right. I prefer dolls with more extreme figures and bodies and like the challenge and look of making dolls with different body types and fat distributions, so I'm experimenting more and more with doll "mid-sizifying" I suppose you could call it. Eventually I'd like to get to trying to do a full like, proper "plusizification." Taking a thin doll and trying to put like, an approximate 100 lbs on her if nothing for the joy of the logistics of it alone. It'd be cool to try it with a Smart Doll or Dollfie Dream, something with an interior skeleton. I think that'd be the best results. I think I might as well make body parts to fit over those endo skeletons from scratch, though. I only have Smart dolls at the moment to work off of, but if anyone is interested in commissioning some chubby to full plus-size Smart Doll custom option parts, let me know. I'll happily give you a discount while I'm just experimenting with all this.

Her head is of course also moded. I wanted her to look like she was punched, so her cheek is swelling a bit. She's a Smart Doll Journey if I remember correctly.

Her leg is a mixed media. Fabric, wire, metal, a pen. Those interior skeletons make Smart Dolls fantastic to put robotic limbs on--- extremely easy to attach. I wanted it big and cartoonish, the foot looking like a big heavy oversized metal boot, and also to look like a highly engenieered peg leg instead of a proper prostetic. Vaguely inspired by Hiccup from How To Train Your Dragon's leg, which the suggestion it's spring operated. You know, antiquated but advanced as most fantasy steampunk is.

Her tattoos are all flowers that have some meaning in Victorian flower code. The big one on her chest being an anemone. It represents a warning or notes something as "forsaken." Used to ward off evil spirits, disease, death, and bad luck. So it's kind of an omen of bad shit happening. A protection and a bad sign. Because I'm trash I'm tempted to name her "Anne Amie." "Amie" is the feminine word for "friend." It also sounds both like "anemone" and "an enemy" when run together out loud. That might be a play on words, punny name so loaded it might rip a fabric in the universe, haven't decided yet, but there you go. I might just decided I accept my crimes against the English, French, and flower-based languages. We'll see.

[thatndginger]

so I said I was gonna make a post about discrimination against supernaturals in the Shifter!verse, and I've only gotten the shapeshifter section done so far but I need something nice to happen today, so I'm posting the shapeshifter bit. I'll make a more consolidated post once I've got the whole rant down

tagging @pandoras-comment-box and @toribookworm22 since you two are the biggest reasons this happened <3

Shapeshifter taglist: @sunset-a-story @touloserlautrec @ceph-the-ghost-writer

In general, shapeshifters have the hardest time ‘fitting in’ with mundane humans. This is mostly due to the fact that most shapeshifters have a physical ‘quirk’ thanks to their animal form that makes them easy to pick out of a crowd. The most common quirks tend to affect facial features such as the eyes, ears, teeth, and skin. Rarer quirks affect hair and nails. Because of this, it’s not unusual for mundane human with certain visual differences like heterochromia, vitiligo, hirsutism, or onychogryphosis (a condition that causes extremely thick and long nail growth) to be mistaken for shapeshifters. Historically, any person showing these ‘hallmark signs of a shapechanger’ would be treated with suspicion and hostility, regardless of if they were proven to be a shapeshifter or not. In the United States, it was legal to refuse services, jobs, and even healthcare services to a shifter - or even a suspected one - until the 1950’s. Most shifters made an effort to hide their quirks and live as ‘human’ as possible, while some chose to forgo mundane society entirely and form communities and towns away from the major population centers.

While society’s opinion has changed greatly since the 20th century, shapeshifters are still treated with suspicion and fear by many. The prevailing thought is that shapeshifters are deceitful by nature owing to their ability to change forms. Depending on the species of the shifter, they can be seen as dangerous, unpredictable, sneaky, stupid, or lazy as well. Werewolves get the worst of it, often portrayed as bloodthirsty and uncontrollable - something both lessened and worsened by the long and storied history of werewolves serving in the US army. To continue to avoid on-sight discrimination, many shifters opt for small cosmetic surgeries to get rid of quirks such as pointed ears and animal-like teeth, or for easy cover-up options like contact lenses, make-up, and tattoos.

It’s required by law for shapeshifters to identify themselves as such. A shifter’s identification is required to identify them as such and list the basic identifying features of their animal form. Birth certificates do not, since it’s impossible to tell a shifter is a shifter before they come into their abilities around puberty age. But passports, driver’s licenses, and other identification methods must accurately reflect a shifter’s status and animal form. Ostensibly, it’s illegal for employers, banks, and landlords to discriminate based on supernatural status, but many places still refuse to deal with shifters. A handful of famous shifters in recent years have been slowly changing public perception, but there’s still a long way to go before they are fully accepted into mundane society.

For shapeshifters that chose to turn their backs on society, it's both easier and more difficult to exist. One one hand, they don't have to deal with the constant worry of what the mundanes around them might do. On the other, they tend to live in isolated and insular communities with little access to education and luxuries most mundanes take for granted. When discovered, these shapeshifter communities are usually treated with fear - occasionally to such a degree that they are attacked. This is in part due to the fact that in the US, only 1 in 20 people will be a shifter on average, with some places in the US having such low shifter populations as to make them almost nonexistent. With such little exposure to shifters in their daily lives, most mundanes are left with myths, sensationalist news stories, and Hollywood lies with which to understand their shapeshifter neighbors.

[complete-clownery]

THOUGHTS ON THIS (now that I have collected them)

This is like very "already everyone thinks about this most of the time when they think about Bilbo moving back to Bag end" thoughts, but I still wanted to get this off my chest

OKAY SO,,,

this is two months after the battle of the five armies, and well Fili's Kili's and Thorin's death as you have probably already deducted,,,

Bilbo is very much still processing the events and trying to deal with the grief of the company members,,,

After travelling with 13 dwarfs for so long, coming back to the Shire and now once again being on his own, he became aware of the fact that silence is extremely unsettling for him. Especially now when he is left alone with his thoughts about the young princes' death and of course the death of his very close friend Thorin Oakenshield.

He obviously realized by now how much he misses all of the company members. He has always been repressed in Hobbiton so now that he was able to act as himself for the first time in years it's hard for him to go back to his previous life (as stated by Gandalf of course)

He tries going back and tries reestablishing some of his old relationships with friends family members, or steak new ones, but of course none of it is the same, and most of the time leaves him a lot more drained than actually fulfilled and recharged.

He isn't really accepted back as well at first, he just came back after a year of leaving, in dwarven and human clothes and a elvish sword and a small chest of gold, he lost weight, he became more inpatient with the fussy hobbit way of communication, and he also became withdrawn from the community.

(I like to think that he's actually just about to move out from Bag end to go visit Erebor and then maybe settle down in Rivendell, but a few weeks before he's about to leave for good he catches word of his nephew, Frodo getting orphaned and decides to take him in as his only close family member, and obviously decides against leaving the Shire for Frodos sake (but also having Frodo there improves his life significantly that is a turn he had not expected when adopting the young boy, so he never regretted staying)

The most fun he had those days were when the young children decided to seek him out for his adventurous tales of dragons, Orcs, Elves and Dwarfs.

Bilbo actually likes children a lot; They're not overly nice, frivolous, narrow-minded beings like a lot of adult hobbits in the Shire; they are actually curious and open minded and honest. Interacting with them is always a breath of fresh air to him.

Although whenever these little storytime sessions end and the kids go home and tell their parents about what Master Begins had told them about great adventures and battles and treasures, a few parents always end up knocking on Bilbo's door(in the most inhumane hours): infuriated about Bilbo telling the young children lies and stories that are "dangerous" for them to hear.

It is always an annoyance really, but he can never say no to curious eyes and the never ending flood of questions.

He also made his stories very child friendly of course. I tried to show that in the illustration with how in the text bubbles when he talks the items and characters appearing are kind of child-drawinglike (?) im not sure if I nailed that, but the thought was there i swear

Also whenever he talks about his company members he also talks about them extremely highly,,and most grandly about Fili and Kili, since he wants the young princes to be remembered by their heroic actions.

The one who he talks the least about is Thorin, especially the first one year after he came back. Talking about him was just too much sometimes,, even when the kids asked about the King of the dwarfs he tried answering briefly.

Then of course these days passed and he became more comfortable with talking about Thorin Oakenshield.

Anyways!!! For now that's all, but whenever I get new ideas I'll edit this post with more HC (mostly relating to this comic and Bilbo and little hobbits)

Okay guys

[sakuraswordly]

Punch the savage pt. 15; Gilgamesh: If we're going to take that thing, you don't want to startle your prey. Punch: Uh, Prey? You know we're not here to kill him, right? Punch: You're not the main character. You're the tutorial enemy.

Peter: It's him again.

Gilgamesh: That Faker....If we're going to take that thing, you don't want to startle your prey.

Punch: Uh, Prey? You know we're not here to kill him, right?

Gilgamesh: Yeeeeaaaahhhhh---

Punch: Funny, isn't it? How small he is when we look from afar.

Gilgamesh: It's far away.

Punch: You're not helping!

Gilgamesh: Heh, no charm, no wit. Big fake swords but no skills.

Punch: You included.

Gilgamesh: I've got skills! 😡

Peter: Be nice....Punch.

Punch: I'm doing my best.

Peter: Sigh....why do you have to be such a hard a**, huh?

Gilgamesh: I ain't your bro. Shut up!

Mimi Baker: Remember! Gilgamesh is an extremely powerful and dangerous swordsman. His Dissidia profile describes him as having "strength that once decimated an entire army" Gilgamesh often has some sort of element of randomness to him, particularly when he is usable as a summon. This is attributed to him attacking with any of the multiple weapons he may have, which often includes the useless Excalipoor. Thus, Gilgamesh's summon is unreliable; he tends to be very powerful when using a proper weapon, but is entirely ineffective if he uses Excalipoor.

Peter: Excalipoor--wut?????

Punch & Gilgamesh: What the heck name was that?!

*End of Flashback*

Mighty Gilgamesh: I've been waiting in this coliseum for so very long.

Punch & Gilgamesh & Peter: Yeah sure....

Mighty Gilgamesh: What kind of facial expression are those?! C'mon, nobody'd do something this crazy just for me?!

Punch & Gilgamesh: Not interested.

Punch: You're not the main character. You're the tutorial enemy.

Gilgamesh: If common sense were a power-up, you'd still be stuck on level one.

Punch: You talk a lot for someone who still loses arguments with autocorrect.

Gilgamesh: You act like the final boss, but you’d get clapped in the loading screen.

Peter: You bring final boss energy… but from a mobile game ad that’s clearly lying.

Periwinkle: Which of them will out the stupid other? I can't look away.....

Peter: Agree.

Mighty Gilgamesh: Gah! No fair ganging up on me like that, you cowards!

Punch: That's definitely not happening.

Peter: In your dreams.

Mighty Gilgamesh: Enough expository banter! Now we fight like men! And ladies! And ladies who dress like men! For Gilgamesh...it is morphing time!

Punch & Gilgamesh & Peter: *Disappointment* Sigh.....*Ready to fight*

Mighty Gilgamesh: I'll turn ya into onion rings!

Gilgamesh: I'm going to kill him.

Punch: Uh....maybe we should--

Gilgamesh: I'm going to kill him.

Punch: Mr Gilgamesh....hello.

Gilgamesh: I'm going to kill him!

Peter: I don't think he's listening right now, Punch.

Punch: Okay, Red Gilga-fresh! Get ready for a fistful of Punch!

Peter: Uh....first of all, you need to pay better attention to people's names. Well. I don't think the-so!

.

.

Mighty Gilgamesh: Uh........

Punch: You get lost again.

Mighty Gilgamesh: Uh........I'll go back to Mimi Baker then! *Vanishes *

Peter: Are we sure he's very worthy of that fake Excalibur?

Gilgamesh: Don't care. At least we got what we're looking for. Mission success!

[vb-realmstrider]

Many dangers were present during The Calamity, including those you would expect and those you would not. The obvious would include the many armies from both sides marching around the continents, the monstrosities known as Geld-spawn or Geld-beasts, and the Gods themselves. I'll also be listing those that are rarely or even never mentioned. Some would include Geldan's Wraiths, Sevvi's Vineblights, and arcanists blessed by both Remour and Reltour. I'll start with the Geld-spawn. The average Geld-beast, known as a brute, was roughly three to six heads taller than your average man, and had the strength of four men. Most could not channel Aether. The ones that could were known as Archdeacons and could wield about as much Aether as the average five Arcanists combined. Archdeacons were supposed to be a head or two shorter than brutes, but just as agile. The most dangerous type were known as Drakes. These Geld-beasts were much smaller than Archdeacons or Brutes, but they had large wings that could carry their small bodies over large distances at high speeds. Drakes on average stood around a head smaller than the average man. These humanoid beasts all had skin that appeared charred and burned, but was as tough as steel plate, and their limbs appeared elongated and twisted. Both Brutes and Drakes were known to have long, sharp claws on their hands that could easily tear though leather and gambison; Drakes were known to have these talons on their feet also. Ancient scribes estimated the intelligence of Drakes to be equivalent to small children, the intelligence of Brutes to just below that of a man, and the intelligence of an Archdeacon to that of a skilled tactician. According to certain manuscripts dating back to 3GW, there was roughly 10 Geld-beasts for every 25 men in the armies of the Fell Alliance. This estimate was taken from a report on the fall of Raa' Seer; it is believed that the ratio of beasts to men increased during the later years of the war, as evidenced by another manuscript detailing the final battle for Ertssel.

One danger is rarely mentioned, only appearing in a scroll hidden deep in the Yuidoran Vaults; the Vineblights. Vineblights are a creation of both Geldan, the god of the underworld and abominations and of Sevvi, the goddess of life and healing. The process is unknown, but these creatures are able to bond to the skeleton of dead Arcanists whos power exceeded an unknown threshold and bring them back to life. The Vineblight itself acquires all memories of the revived Arcanist and takes up residence inside the skeleton. Meanwhile, the remains of the dead Arcanist become a new person with access to a limited amount of vague memories from their previous life, but they regain all skills and affinities after an undetermined period of time. The Vineblight and newly revived person are two separate consciousnesses and can communicate with each other without words. To disguise themselves, the Vineblight can wrap very tiny vines around the revived person's body, mimicking skin or fur to cover parts of the skeleton that don't regrow flesh upon revival. These creatures are extremely dangerous due to the Vineblight being able to act independantly of the revived person, using it's vines to thrash anything that gets to close while also being able to manipulate Earth Aether. Vineblights are very rare, though they and their host can live for hundreds if not thousands of years, making them an effecively ageless creature.

Lunar-Blessed Arcanists were the next most dangerous things you could encounter during The Calamity, and still are extremely dangerous to this day. Their power comes from both Gods of the Moons, Remour and Reltour. Remour grants Arcanists the ability to summon objects by condensing and manifesting Aether. This most commonly takes the form of suits of armor that slightly improves the Arcanists physical traits and abilities, and various weapons. Reltour grants Arcanists the ability to infuse parts of their souls into objects and store various traits into that object; and grants the ability to withdraw any traits that the Arcanist has previously stored. For example; an Arcanist blessed by Reltour can infuse a pendant with their soul and store some of their physical strength into it, making themselves physically weaker while storing that trait. They can then later draw out that stored physical strength, making themselves stronger when needed, as long as the pendant is touching them. The amount of any given attribute they can draw out is directly proportional to the amount they infused into the object. Needless to say, the ability to store up attributes to use later on top of being able to summon armor that improves all physical attributes makes a very dangerous combination. There is lots of evidence of Lunar-Blessed Arcanists being able to easily take out multiple Geld-spawn by themselves.

The most dangerous creatures one could encounter, aside from the Gods of course, would be Geldan's Wraiths. The Wraiths were one hundred Aetherkin within the First and Fourth Generations that were handpicked by Geldan himself for being the strongest and most brutal. The Wraiths were well known for appearing out of nowhere and vanishing just as fast, leaving mountains of corpses in their wake. Covering all one hundred would take up too much of my time, so I'll cover the three most infamous Wraiths in order of least dangerous to most dangerous. The Wraith of Flame, Enkarr of the Fourth Generation, was a master of Fire Aether and was known to be cunning and methodical in their planning; mostly using their abilities to incinerate large swaths of opposing armies. It is said that Enkarr's flames were so strong and bright that they rivaled the sun itself. The Wraith of Stone, Terranel of the First Generation, was a master of Earth Aether, and was know for their hot temper and explosive mood swings; primarily using their abilities to crush cities and fortresses with waves of stone and earth that flows like waves. Manuscripts state that Terranel was fond of entombing their enemies in stone and leaving them to suffocate, and of encasing victims and slowly crushing them over days or weeks to gain information. The most dangerous of Geldan's Wraiths name has never been recorded, but was known as The Wraith of the Frozen Void. They were Geldan's second in command, and the most dangerous assassin ever known. They used a combination of Water Aether and Void Aether to freeze entire armies in an instant and open up rifts in the fabric of reality, ripping everything apart axiom by axiom. They are credited for the death of Estella, the Wyvern of Water and for the death of Kalan, the God of mystery and exploration. While unconfirmed, it is theorized that The Wraith of the Frozen Void is also responsible for the vanishing of the Murandel Kingdom.

Scribed by Endon, Second Researcher of The Spire of Stars

To be delivered to Viola of the Third Generation, Warlock Commander and Wyvern of The Spire of Stars

[struggle-but-its-all-ocean-floor]

Fans actually didn't know what it was exactly if it was track video or was a MV cause the label wasn't clear about anything at all. no one had any idea till the tim of release. fans thought like usual the album would have a MV for pre-release and title song. so it's basically label's fault. All i know is he's singing live in the video that's why it's not called a MV. The label really under promoted the song. Gave itunes preorder presave just a day before when the songs released in 2024 itself from other members had it days before. And they even did it because fans were constantly tagging them for past week so they did it a day before. Idk man what's the problem this company has with jm, that the Geffen ppl even disrespecting him in broad daylight. The official accounts from Geffen didn't promote it at all. There's nothing posted on tiktok at all. Even tae's new project is posted there but jm's pre release. The only good thing was that Instagram group chat and all that's it.

As for song then I'll say it's growing on me per each listen. The more i listen the more I'm loving it. It's a fun and joyful song and I'm really enjoying it. I love that with jm he's totally unexpected like u don't know what type of song he will release. Although many always expect dark theme songs from him but he tries different things with his music and i like that about him.

I know, but most fans suspected it was a track video, right? (due to the lack of promo, even by Hybe and Jimin standards). It's being treated as an MV by the fans, because it's all we have, but it's kind of live and pretty simple (no set or outfit changes). I don't think it was meant to be an MV. By that reasoning, any track, performance or visualization video could be called an MV. It wasn't intended to be one imo, and I think that label is a bit dangerous. Because the video is good for a track video, but underwhelming for an MV (imo).

Yes, Hybe didn't try very hard, but they failed him so bad even Billboard (always chasing the opportunity to badmouth kpop) wrote about it. Bad press is still press. And Army did well on Twitter, at least.

I still don't really like the song. It's like NLG in terms of very subpar production, but it's not a fan song and I love JK's voice - the more I listened to NLG, the more I liked it; JK, as always, added tons of layers of vocals and the song has a lot of small details to pay attention to. But I just don't like Jimin's voice in the song (Pdogg being himself with the autotune), so I'm not sure it'll grow on me.

I think Jimin does best with a darker sound, like Lie, but the level of effort put into his darker tracks is way bigger than this lighter ones (which are mostly fan songs). Think of the complexity behind Lie, LC and SMF vs. CTT and SGMB. We always have this argument when a bright song isn't well received (or gets some criticism). If you don't enjoy a fun song, you're a party pooper who hates fun, but what Army doesn't like Dope, Fire, Airplane Pt.2, Go Go, Just One Day, I Like It Pt.2, Baepsae, Spine Breaker, Anpanman, Jump, Coffee, Disease, Telepathy, Run BTS, etc.? You see where I'm going with this? Everyone loves BTS's lighter or funner songs - it's what they're known for imo - but you aren't allowed to dislike PTD without being accused of hating fun. It's like the whole fandom hating the English trilogy for being Western sounding, without somehow acknowledging that the most beloved BTS songs are extremely Western sounding (Just One Day, I Like It Pt.2, House of Cards, Coffee, Airplane Pt.2, Pied Piper, Love Maze, etc.). Maybe people didn't love BWL, but most of their hard sounding kpop songs do worse (like Idol vs. DNA).

Regardless, Serendipity, Filter and Promise are some of Jimin's most beloved songs and they aren't dark. And Christmas Love and CTT aren't dark at all. Only Lie and Face are dark, so tbh I don't understand why people associate him with dark music and think he's branching out with SGMB. It's only due to Face and the fact that all his darker songs are performance songs with lots of impact (and his best performances in BTS are in songs like Black Swan). SGMB is very close to CTT imo. It brings nothing new in terms of showing what Jimin likes or can do. It only surprises because I expected more quality from a pre-release and his album in general. But I think Muse is more of a parting gift than an exploration of his artistry. Also, I guess lyrically I was expecting something more too.

Tbh, I still don't quite know who Jimin is as a musical artist. I know who he is as a dancer and performer, but, as a musical artist, it's a big question mark. Besides Jin, he is, to me, the one with least defined musical identity and signature. His fan songs all have a certain sound, but, beyond that, I don't know... I'm not sure this album will clear things up any. I wish he worked with other producers.

I didn't mean to sound harsh, but I keep reading the same perspectives, and I just disagree with them...

Thanks for the ask!

[iciatheguardess]

ARCHIVED AND OUTDATED

Okay, this is my OFFICIAL info/lore/refs for Ice Anon/Icia. I'll just give basic info about each persona, the lore, and refs when I get around to them.

This will be updated as I go- hope you enjoy!

Do note: Ice Anon no longer exists (except to a few people she didn't tell yet.) So most designs of her are irrelevant and more like casual outfits for Icia now.

Ice Anon:

Refs:

Basic Info:

Ice Anon is a newer Anon in the circus, who's a 'chill', peaceful being. She's recognizable by the cold air her body gives off, making her difficult but not unbearable to touch or hold, as well as her inhumanly stiff ice hair. She's a quiet, mysterious, nonchalant, "go-with-the-flow" person who'd rather not fight in most situations. However, she's also caring and doesn't like seeing others in pain or misery, even if she despises them. As she's grown more familiar with everyone, she's grown slightly anxious and secluded, often with a people-pleaser mentality.

She enjoys watching snow, stargazing, listening to 1920s-50s music, and dressing up. She's also oddly good at swordfighting...

Lore:

Ice Anon made her appearance not long ago, but she could have been a part of the Circus for a while, deciding to hide away. After finding Gangle digitally (but not fully) dead, she let herself become more involved in others' business as to make sure she didn't miss anything important (though she often does). Also, it's likely due to a rocky entrance into the circus, her memory isn't the best.

Icia:

Refs:

First/Usual Design:

Current design:

Info:

Icia is a very guarded individual, often feeling uneasy and distrustful of others due to being uncertain of their affiliation. However, when she trusts someone or sees them in need, she's extremely caring, loyal and motherly, being willing to tell stories of her life in The Bewitched Digital Kingdom to all who are willing to listen. However, Icia is also very protective. She will go to extreme lengths to protect those in danger.

She enjoys training, reading, telling stories, playing and dancing to classical music, and enjoys most things from the early 1900's and late 1800's (think things you'd find on a Royalty Aesthetic Pinterest board)

Lore:

Icia arrived at The Enchanted Digital Kingdom a long time ago, which was a digital realm formed as a kingdom and castle always surrounded by stars and seemed to run on magic rather than technology. As part of the royalty, Icia was immediately given the role of Head Guardess; this duty gave her power over the kingdom's army, royal guard, and turned her into the main guardian for King [....] and Queen [....]. The kingdom was ruled by the AI Ramiro, who was described as senile but loving and caring.

However, one day Ramiro was seemingly replaced with the AI Hexe who was cruel, sadistic and tempermental. Through her control, she abused her powers and would rank up or derank humans of TEDC as she pleaded, and would control their minds, emotions, and personalities for her own amusement. This often led to fights, unethical treatment of NPC citizens, and harsh misunderstandings.

Icia recalls an incident where her best friend Dunite, the royal Astronomer, manipulated the minds of young children under Hexe's control, and had no reaction to their fear. Despite her best efforts, Icia was also forced to commit unspeakable, cruel acts of violence to both the citizens she was supposed to protect and her dear friends. At this point, she had no longer been calling the kingdom as The Enchanted Digital Kingdom, now referring to it as The Bewitched Digital Kingdom.

After some time, Icia decided she had enough and searched the Castle for an exit which she eventually found. She asked a small number of people to join her, all of which were either on Hexe's side or disbelieving, until Hexe caught wind of her plan and she had to escape alone. Outside TBDK, Icia learned about many worlds all controlled by C&A, each seeming to have an AI that monitored it. She found her own files and learned how to create new ones, which she used to create unique outfit "presets" and reclaim her possessions left in TBDK.

However, she also saw her files linked to another individual's: Starro, from The Amazing Digital Circus. Feeling he would be trustworthy, Icia found her way into the circus and made close friends with him, explaining her situation. Due to her belief that all AI were linked, she grew fearful and distrusting of Caine, believing he would recognize her and send her back to TBDK. Therefore, she created a new persona and outfit, blending in with the many Anons that visited as a new anon: Ice Anon.

Powers/Abilities:

Being an embodiment of ice, Icia's constantly cooling off things around her. The air around her is cold, and certain things frost over if she touches them. This effect grows heavier when Icia experiences high emotions, as when anxious she can fully freeze anything she touches and cause large ice crystals to spike up from them, also inflicting frostbite. During high-emotion moments, she can grab onto someone and channel all her power into her hand, effectively freezing them almost entirely and causing excruciating pain. At her most powerful, Icia can use her sword to channel a blizzard in a small area, disrupting vision and even cutting opponents with sharp ice crystals.

However, Icia prefers combat with her sword. She's extremely skilled in swordfighting, having an elegant yet speedy style that's nearly impossible to counter. Her sword has a halo of frost and flurries, which can effectively freeze ice on contact. She sharpens it often, in case of emergencies.

Icia is also very strong and agile.

~~~~~~~

I know this is probably not very fun or what you would've hoped from this post, but I'm going to regularly update it the more her lore gets uncovered. Ask her whatever questions you'd like, I'll be keeping this post pinned for now!

-Mod Star ✨️

[casspurrjoybell-27]

Claimed by the Beast - Chapter 12a

*Warning Adult Content*

Prince Charming - Part 1

Knox chuckles against the wall as he watches Everett do the opposite of what he had taught him.

The boy is standing in front of the punching bag that hangs from the ceiling almost like he fears it.

He's throwing light jabs that would, at most, tickle his opponent.

The two have been working on self-defense techniques for an hour, Knox having had to demonstrate and repeat himself multiple times for Everett and his new short attention span.

Everett's endurance is shit and needs a major upgrade, among other things, considering he broke out in a sweat barely twenty minutes into today's session.

His breathing now comes in short pants, his wild curls have since lost their volume and are currently pushed back with a headband.

His white T-shirt clings to his lean body from both sides, soaked with sweat.

Admittedly, he's more cute than threatening.

"I told you to move around, not remain stationary," Knox calls out. "In the real world, your attacker won't just stand there and let you kick his ass. You have to..."

"Fuck off. I get your thick ass is built for this shit but I'm not," Everett huffs. "This is exhausting. I'm ready to be done."

Knox sighs.

"We've barely begun..."

"I think an hour is good enough to start with," Everett continues, though his punches gradually falter.

"For Christ's sake, I'm not trying out for the army. I'm just a beginner, remember?"

"A beginner who's extremely fragile and weak," Knox adds, his tone soft. "I'm trying to help you become strong. Don't you want to be able to protect yourself when danger strikes?"

"Being strong is overrated. How about that?" Everett stops and takes a minute to center himself by resting against the massive punching bag, every single muscle group screaming for him to run and never look back.

He'd try if he knew he'd be able to get past Knox and reach the door.

"Please," he whines, still struggling to catch his breath. "I think my legs are about to give out and my lungs are on fire. This is torture. When can we quit?"

"When I see you've made actual progress." Knox approaches Everett like a lion stalking its prey, his movements slow and calculated. "First problem... you've been standing too close to the damn bag, and you're hitting it like you're apologetic about it."

Everett doesn't turn around when Knox stops behind him.

But he does gasp at the feeling of warm breath hitting the back of his neck, Knox's body heat slowly tangling with his.

Large hands grip his waist as Knox helps to position him properly and it takes a fucking miracle for both to remain professional about their close proximity.

"Now, when you hit the bag and it swings back at you, it's going to force you to move out of the way or get hit."

Knox shifts Everett's body from left to right.

He doesn't miss, or comment on the flush that travels up the back of Everett's neck.

"Pretend you're dodging someone's fist. Pretend the fucker just disrespected you in front of your friends. Hell, pretend it's Finn, since you hate him so much. Show me how you're going to handle him."

"Like this."

Everett zeroes in on the bag after Knox steps away, swiftly unleashing hell while throwing kicks and punches that produce a much harder sound than the ones he did before.

Knox shouts encouraging words, adding fuel to Everett's fire until the boy eventually drops to the ground, officially tapping out.

"Well? Did I kick his ass or what?" Knox laughs, giving Everett a short round of applause.

"Yeah. That was a lot better than that other shit you were doing."

"Fuck you. I tried my best," Everett chuckles.

He accepts the cold bottle of water that Knox passes him, gulping it down quickly.

"Guns are still a no but I think I can handle a small knife or something. You got one of those lying around?"

"I have plenty. I'll get you one later."

Knox holds out a hand as if to help Everett up from the ground but instead of doing so, he takes Everett off guard by pinning him down on the mat.

"Don't panic," Knox speaks in a low tone, his face expressionless and body controlled as Everett bucks against him. "Remember what I taught you."

"I'm trying. Ugh. This would be way less difficult if..." Everett pauses, briefly glancing at Knox's mouth, then at his shirtless torso and back up to his mouth again.

"If you weren't you."

Knox rolls his eyes, smirking a little while tightening his grip on Everett's wrists.

"Get your mind out of the fucking gutter, kitten. Your life is at stake here. Act like it."

"Ahh. I'm so scared I'm shaking," Everett teases, trying not to laugh. "Someone, anyone, help me!"

"Everett," Knox deadpans. "Cut the shit and be for real."

"Okay, okay..." Everett shuts down his chaotic alter ego long enough to forcefully lift his hips off the ground and push Knox forward to fall.

He works his legs and arms exactly how Knox had taught him as he twists himself using his remaining strength until he's straddling Knox, one hand lightly gripping his throat.

"Now, see, if I had a knife on me..." Everett places a fist to the side of Knox's neck, grinning victoriously. "Your ass would be a dead panda."  

"So you were paying attention to me earlier?" Knox grins, resting his large hands on top of Everett's exposed thighs and squeezing.

"Good boy." Everett's entire body shudders, and he breaks eye contact.

"Don't call me that."

"Why not?" Knox's face no longer matches his playful tone as he arches a brow, feigning curiosity.

He looks dangerous and sexy at the same time.

"You don't want to be my good boy, Everett? My pretty boy, my special boy, my sweet little kitten..."

"You're a damn mess, you know that?" Everett interrupts, flustered, as he rests his hands on Knox's hard abs.

His skin is hot to the touch, body utterly mouthwatering.

The man is a walking temptation.

So much surrounds him that Everett is surprised he hasn't drowned in it yet.

"I'm literally covered in sweat and probably look like a wet dog. How are you like this right now?"

"Like what?" Knox questions, coyly.

"You know..." Everett whispers, blushing. "Still attracted to me."

"Kitten." Knox gives Everett's thighs another squeeze, harder this time, as he rasps...

"You severely underestimate just how badly you do it for me."

The words leave his mouth faster than a cheetah chasing after it's dinner.

Confusion twists at Knox's insides as he frantically begins questioning himself, wondering when and how he became so... sappy?

He turns into a completely different person around Everett.

There's no more denying it.

It shows in the way he carries himself, how he speaks and how his damn body reacts.

He can't remember ever feeling this way towards another human being.

Feeling such a spiritual pull that, sometimes, he swears he can sense the darkness fading from his black soul.

But Everett isn't up for grabs like that.

He's a job.

Someone to be kept alive until this shit show ends with The Jackals. Knox may have claimed him but deep down inside, he knows he can't have the boy.

Not in the ways his body desires.

They can never be more than what they are now.

Roommates.

They're just too different.

Their lives are the polar opposite of each other's.

Anything beyond a friendship could never work.

"Oh. I-I..." Everett stammers.

The blush on his face only adds to the guilt that Knox is choking on.

They shouldn't be doing this.

They shouldn't be touching like this.

It's sending the wrong message.

Or at least that's what Knox tries to convince himself to believe.

[the-firebird69]

You know it's kind of right we can't have the Santa's do this we have BG do it he's kind of a wild card it kind of is happening anyways and it would point it out but these two are doing is their competition they still have a serious number of people and they kind of hook up with bja and it's an army we need them out of there anyways and they're making and they're making huge mistakes I do see what he's saying they're horrible people and we want them out

Mac daddy he came in six times today that we counted and a 7th and he's horrible this guy is an addict it's a trump is messing with his son afterwards got them both in trouble I mean he's an idiot the guys are steaming honking fool why the hell is he coming in there six times what the f*** is he doing all I find him doing is threatening people and him getting his ass kicked

That's what we're finding too and we're having an emergency meeting about it now. He went seven times and 1/8 on the road and the 9th I mean the guy is a stupid pig and disgusting person and he's not necessarily a wild card he's stuck to him in a massive way we have to break him off he is a huge huge loser too and mean and dangerous and sick and he advertises what he does he's trying to threaten everybody by doing it is in and out threatening and I started saying why don't you take a swing I'll show you who's threatening to f****** puke little girl he started saying it to him the guys flipping out in between and people are saying what's the matter he says he's just sitting there challenging me saying I'm threatening you so I'm taking all your businesses through this punk that you keep jamming up my ass every single business I kill everybody and lots of you leave actually before that happens because you don't want to work this is what does that mean what are you talking about you won't have anything you don't have any weapons or anything cuz it's puke you want to keep this f****** useless piece of s*** there and he started saying this he's using you to take all these companies and he's telling them how in some ways he knows then he says I can't help it I need the money and he goes where I'm going to die and send the money becomes useless and we take it back and we buy more companies and get rid of his idiots then they said that and he said I don't know about that but that seems like what they're doing this is doing it cuz you won't leave him alone you don't even know if it's them but somebody's doing that because you're doing what you're doing we know it cuz we going to take your stuff and take your money because of what you're doing and a whole bunch because I have to go back there now it says no you don't that's why we're doing it though so the idiot can't get it so we have to get rid of him even though we're taking tons of stuff most of it

So we can have this meeting and it's already going that way some people are siding with keeping them there and you're saying no your own cadre says definitely not we recommend against it and the people who do if he gets harmed and going to be executed and that's what we say too but they're extremely powerful and they're not being listened to he says we have to hear their side of it they're probably small countries and they can't afford what's going on and they can't afford anything so we'd have to have an argument they think it's better for them so we're going to go through it already we have people who are not siding with us and a small countries

Thor Freya

[yanderes-galore]

Just occurred to me I requested every villain in Halo RVB 1-15 except for Felix, poor bastard. How about a romantic/platonic concept with a medic darling? They work for the rebellion and end up scolding Felix when he has to visit them, telling him that he needs to be more careful because the army needs him (which he finds hilarious but won’t elaborate on why). He shows up in the medical bay to bother them constantly, then when his cover’s blown, he decides the pirates could use a fully trained combat medic and takes them with him, much to Locus’ annoyance.

Man... Felix was such a good character. Sure! I'll do sonmething for him :) Been a bit since I saw the Chorus trilogy so I apologize if something's off.

I feel like I could've done more with this but I was not sure what-

Spoilers for Halo RvB Chorus Trilogy

Yandere! Felix with Medic! Darling

Pairing: Romantic/Platonic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsessive behavior, Manipulation, Self-harm mention, Swearing, Threats, Overprotective/Possessive behavior, Kidnapping, Vague relationship implied, Violence, Murder, Jealousy.

You are a medic for the New Republic by the time you meet Felix.

Kimball trusts you to treat her soldiers.

You've seen countless patients in your small makeshift medical office.

However, the one you've seen the most is Felix.

Felix is a mercenary but he has a reckless and eager personality.

Which means he often finds himself injured due to such reckless behavior.

Before the Reds and Blues blew his cover, Felix played his facade around you.

To you, Felix was playful, friendly, sarcastic, but stern at times.

Whenever you saw him he acted like a close friend.

You were sure you were the only one who saw him out of his armor for healing.

Felix when he's still acting like he's on your side is Overprotective, Obsessive, and Caring.

This is not his true yandere persona.

He says you're so important to this war because you're a medic.

He says it all with a sweet smile.

Felix also enjoys teasing you around the base, often saying he'll "see you later in the medical bay."

You often scold the mercenary on him being so reckless.

It's dangerous out there!

You catch Felix snickering at your concern but you don't quite understand why.

You just think he's playing with you and punch his shoulder lightly.

Which he then becomes overdramatic about.

Felix is dramatic.

In more ways than you know.

When he comes into your office he overplays his actual injury.

You also begin to wonder how he's getting injured so often?

He's a skilled mercenary...

You have no idea that he's injuring himself to have the excuse to see you. Locus can be such a pain in the ass.

Felix doesn't just see you in the office.

He often looks for you when you're not in the office.

You'll be on break and Felix will find you again.

He's extremely chatty.

It's like he wants to hear himself talk when he's with you.

Felix likes to compliment you, too.

You feel like Felix is trying to be overly flattering towards you.

It's... strange.

Felix can be hypocritical, talking about your own safety while supposedly neglecting his own.

When he visits the base he comes to you to see if you're okay.

If you were injured... then Felix expresses uncharacteristic (to you) dark behavior.

He wants to know who did it....

So he can end them in the most painful way possible.

Felix shows to be caring of you even if he's overprotective.

Felix always liked how smart you are.

As Felix's friend, you start to think he's lying to you as the rebellion goes on.

Something's not quite right with his behavior...

The moment the big plan about Chorus is revealed... you lose respect for Felix.

He always felt like he was lying to you.

After that you try to avoid him, trying to pretend you didn't hear any rumors.

But Felix knows better.

In fact, he already has plans for you.

Felix's true yandere persona is not that of an overprotective partner.

Felix is actually Manipulative, Self-absorbed, Selfish, Merciless, Possessive, and Exploitive.

Felix has low empathy and doesn't sympathize with anyone.

He kills people and disrespects the dead.

When Felix decides to take you away from the rebellion once the plan is revealed he doesn't care what he does to take you.

The mercenary doesn't mind killing your friends, calling them pathetic and all sorts of other names while stalking towards you.

"It's funny that you thought you were saving them! They were going to die for nothing anyway...."

He's a monster who would harm anyone to get what he wants.

Felix is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

This whole thing was an act to him.

Every talk, every action, everything.

Felix can act like an entirely different person to get others to trust him.

Like a role in a play.

Including those on his side.

Felix offers you the offer to join the Space Pirates, giving one last chance to be nice with you.

If you refuse then he doesn't mind threatening you into following him.

Felix expects Locus to give him shit for taking you in but he doesn't care.

Felix also wants to keep you with him... as he feels you're his.

You're a skilled combat medic... you'll be useful.

He promises.

Locus complains to Felix at times but the orange mercenary tells him to mind his own business.

When you're forced into the Space Pirates you see Felix's true colors.

Anyone under him is disrespected and threatened into compliance.

You've also seen how jealous Felix gets when you're forced to heal others.

He'll be flipping his combat knife only to think about throwing it at one of your patients if they compliment you.

A threat that silently says "hands off."

Felix often manipulates those around him and is cruel.

If you think of the people he's killed for you then he brushes it off, telling you they didn't matter.

Felix cares little for the deaths of others.

Felix also expects you to pay attention to him.

Ignoring him will make him force it out of you.

He wants to talk to you, maybe even get a bit handsy if he feels that way.

Things like an arm around the shoulder and possessive hug solidifies how he feels for you.

He feels like he deserves you.

He feels he's entitled to you and your care.

Felix would even kill in front of you if he felt it was necessary.

The only person that matters to him is you.

Even then he's twisted about the way he feels about you.

Felix wants to be the only one to see you out of your armor, often locking the door to your office when he visits you.

Felix knows you hate him for betraying you and kidnapping you.

He claims it's so your conversation with each other "feels casual."

He has ulterior motives.

But he also knows you'll have to push aside such feelings at some point.

He's a dangerous man who'd kill everyone around you to keep you to himself.

If you refuse him... he may even threaten you.

You can't tell if Felix loves you or genuinely cares for you at all anymore

All you know is his hold is too tight on you and his jealousy is volatile...

You have no idea if you could ever trust him again after all he's done to you.

[aloeanemonabee27]

OP ASL(U) red ridinghood au extra

In the first post of this au, I introduced the basic of plot, some of the characters and the colors of the hoods, so in this post I'll explain how the ranks works and the hoods duties.

The ranks doesn't follow the colors of the hoods, that's just their occupations, what it does are medallions that indicate what rank and power they possed in the corps and to raise it they have to work for it:

Cobalt: Is the beginners phase, they are not put in any mission just yet and instead they prepare them to face what their dealing with. They stay in the corps camps grounds so they can train both fiscally and mentally.

Bronze: In this phase, they still inexperienced like the cobalt, they go in small missions to gain experience little by little and if they're needed in a bigger mission they need supervision of a higher status.

Silver: The seniors or lieutenants, the soldiers with experience depending in how much they put effort, they are send in more difficult missions, if they wish the can escalate to ranks and if they don't they can still be soldiers and can be teachers for the new members.

Gold: The captains or commanders, at these point they are permitted to create squad teams, to be allowed to carry major responsibilities that the superiors requests them. Unlike the silvers, the golds must be promoted by a superior and go to rigorous training to escalate the two remaining ranks since those are extremely important. The golds are the majority of teachers of the corps.

Platinum: This ones are the chairmen and chiefs. They have the authority on leading the ridinghoods, investigation in some cases, invited in meetings with the sapphire ranks and dealing with problems inside and outside of the corps to a certain point. They can also become tutors, taking one new member of their choosing and make then their subordinate. Is rare to see them as teachers.

Sapphire: Also a chairmen, they are generals. The difference is that they are more in involved in the affairs of the Grandmasters, they have major power to lead the ridinghoods and the lower ranks all together and even can have their personal army. Even so, they still have to follow order from the Grandmasters. They provide resources, guidance and occasionally supervise their subordinates to attend to their duties. They get involved in operations and reunions of their Grandmasters, if requested, to talk in behalf of them to speak terms on business.

Diamond: The Grandmasters and the last ones, they are the ones who holds absolute power on the Ridinghood corps. They are the responsible ones of the day- to day managements and operation on the Ridinghood corps. They are the responsible for the ridinghoods to move to a point A to point B, the ones who find the resources for their troops, to put official guilds for the ridinghoods and mostly are involved in the civilian area to ensure the leaders of the villages or countries the safety they need for dangerous creatures. They also are the only ones who has special armies for themselves to do business under the shadows, they have a lot of contacts and spies to insure balance on the corps.

Now the color of the hoods is what represent their occupation, each ridinghood has a specific branch they train or if they want voluntary can learn the most talents they can. Like this, they can either work in solo mode or become a squad.

Red: In the ridinghood corps, these are more glorified and the one of strongest warriors in the corps, elite matter speaking, is common to see red ridinghoods working alone and rare to see them in squads, they are leaders of their own squads mostly. Red ridinghoods are rare to have considering on the responsibility they have, they have to be strong and astute to be at the level of the enemy and they can't be weak. They are send in the most difficult missions that most of people can't complete, allowed to explore the dangerous parts of the unknown and mostly work under the command of the superiors. Have the special privilege on learning all the occupations on the corps at once, since they are the ones who are most send in missions, so is impossible to see a red ridinghood in one place.

Green: The green ridinghoods are not so glorified like the red ridinghoods, but their strength and their strategy in battle are recognized. Greens are often used as bodyguards, they are fearless warriors and basically being trained to adapt at the unknown and imaginable in a rough way. Like their physical training, their intelligence and strategy are also trained to the most impossible cases, able to adapt on the battles, catch their enemies weakness fast and fortifies their weakness. Is rare to see a green ridinghood alone doing missions unless their services alone are absolute necessary, in the majority of cases are in squad teams or helping a higher up, physically speaking.

Copper: The valuable ones in the corps and carrying the responsibility on studying the territories of werewolves mostly, their job is to explore the Grand Line forest from top to bottom, to identify where the werewolves stay, any secret hideout etc. However their jobs endangers them, being the first victims on werewolves attacks and the copper ridinghoods are scarce so they need high protection.

Yellow: Yellows are responsible on creating weaponry, items... building anything is their thing, needed for the battlefield or in the insides of the corpse itself. Like the blues and greys, these are seeing in the camps helping in whatever they need materialy speaking, they can be resourceful depending on the situation and they also made cargos to deliver to other ridinghoodcamps or guild's. They're weaponry is constantly changing, in order to create definite items for the occasion. Browns often are teamed up with the yellows, combining their results of work could lead to advances for the missions and all.

Blue: The blues are another fighters in the corps because most of the time are cooks, they don't have an amazing elevated job so mostly their are seeing in the Ridinghoods camps and in squad teams to provide food. When studying, they studie side by side with the brown ridinghoods, not only the basics of medicine but also learning the unknown ingredients on the Grand line forest that could be either good or catastrophic in the health. They don't get much into missions like green's and reds.

Grey: The greys are the most standard ridinghoods in the corps, the less attention they recived and they are the most one to see on the corps. These ridinghoods have the privilege of the reds to do deliberately whatever they like as long it is useful, mostly the greys are used as fighters, messengers or bargains and occasionally bodyguards. Mostly because the corps itself is neglectful to them. Depending on their talents they can be selected to whatever reason to any member who specifically needs them.

Brown: These ridinghoods specialize in medicine, the browns ridinghood spend years and carefully learn the art of medicine, in a deeper lever to make medicine, venoms or any sort of thing that helps against the werewolves and other creatures. Studding the botanical environment of Grand Line to see what can be offered. They are strictly required to studie lycanthropy, how they can affect a human and also with the burden to find a permanent cure for it.

Purple: The purple ridinghoods, like the brown and copper ridinghoods, the purples have a heavy weight in investigating the werewolves itselfs, their habits, their behavior, their culture, their history... anything related to their nature and home so they can understand them more or use any of this information to their advantage. The purple ridinghoods are scarce as well, cause the werewolves take them down first before anymore information can gets leaked.

Black: These are another elite ridinghoods on the corps and they are less known, in matters of jobs. Unlike the red ridinghoods that they do the superficial work, the black ridinghoods do the underground job, mostly these guys do jobs for the higher ups or they do missions of major importance in the Grand Line if is absolutely necessary. The most secretive of the ridinghood corps, to put it simply they are spies and assassins.

White: This are the absolute elites of the corps, the only hood you have to earn, unlike the red and blacks, the white ridinghoods are the only ones who receive direct contact with the Grandmasters council, their rankings depends on them. The ones who can visibly identify being the superiors, who leads the other ridinghoods and their taken into most important missions, working inside and outside with the corps, sometimes being team up with normal military guard that seek their services or so, the ones who mobilize everything on the corps, the ones who investigate any werewolves activity and certainly the ones who makes sure the ridinghoods do their jobs.

[eddsworld-enchanted-era]

~The ones spoken of only in whispers, part two~

(braincell went brrrrr again, here's the base link, it's by EddsWorld-Base)

(and yes this one's just a brief sequence from the fic lmao, it's him mid-panicked explanation)

There is a dirt path somewhere deep within the forests of Norway, with various branching dead ends, but taking the correct turns at each fork would lead one to a clearing.

From just outside, the bright greens and deep browns of the trees, along with the tall grass and wildflowers of all colours are pretty much the only thing you can see, as they surround the area. It doesn't look like there's anything here, just more trees. The path almost appears to be a trick at first, but just past the two trees by each edge of the path is a large concrete structure, home to a budding army that's slowly beginning to take control of the neighbouring countries - now known as the Nordic Federation of Nations (NFN), though the officials would insist that, regardless of language, you call it "De Nordisk Forbun av Nasjoner". You'd risk pissing off the leader otherwise.

Inside the building is more of the same. The same concrete walls, the same concrete floors, and various rooms used for various purposes.

One of these rooms is the office of De Rød Leder... yes, labelled like that, even though every other room was labelled in English, but you had to give him one thing - he had commitment to the bit.

And currently, in that office, a man is frantically apologising.

"I'm sorry sir, I wasn't even aware that they survived, I swear, please don't hur-" the man is interrupted by the voice of another.

"That does not matter, Pau - you still let one get away." the voice states, a disappointed yet dangerous tone.

This voice belongs to someone who wished for his name and face to be known worldwide.

A man whose body was half-burnt and scarred forever, with his hair stuck in the shape of two horns - his trademark style, and the inspiration for the army's logo.

A man known as Red Leader.

Pau flinches in response, the man's words were not exactly comforting. Particularly as he could see his scowl deepen, if that was even possible.

"I'll do better next time, I promise! Just... please, don't do anything to me! You-you know how Patry-"

"-Yes, I am aware of how he would react if any harm is to come to you. But for his sake as much as your own, you will keep that promise next time." Red Leader interrupts again, adding emphasis on the 'will', "Because of course there's going to be a next time, one lived, and they're going to recruit more of their little buddies, and if they're successful we may have another all-out war with Sweden on our hands."

"For fuck's sake, I have no goddamn clue how you could even miss so bad - you're extremely good with your gun any other time, why did you have to fuck me on this now, when it counts?"

There is silence.

"Do not lie to me. You know what I do to liars." he warns.

Pauu swallows, suddenly aware of just how small he felt, between the size of the room itself and the size of the man in front of him.

It's enough to make him spill the truth.

"Because I could see the fear in his eyes."

"I heard him beg, he swore that just wanted to make it home safe, sir."

"And you believed any of it? You believed that he was afraid?" Red Leader scoffs.

"In fairness, anyone would be if their hideout were suddenly stormed by your two best soldiers, sir." chimes another man, one who's just entered the room, "And by the way, I have some financial requests from the Danish branch, be sure you get to those." he halfheartedly states as he drops a small stack of papers on the desk.

"Patryck, do not defend him. I understand he is your husband, but he's fucked up again."

"Oh, come on, don't play that game with me, sir - you and I both know he gets out of trouble every time - and that it's because of me."

"Not this time, Pat-"

"You also know what I am capable of if you hurt him." Patryck glares at Red, reaching for a pistol.

Once he's readied it, he fires a shot into the air as a warning.

There's a silence in the air, before Red reaches for his own gun... only to find it's not there.

"Goddamn it Patryck, why do you have to be so stealthy?" he murmurs, before sighing.

"Fine." he relents, "just don't let this happen again, Pau. The two of you are dismissed."

"That's what I thought, sir." Patryck smirks, tossing the gun onto Red's desk, before taking Pau's hand and walking away with him.

"It's such a goddamned shame that those two are the best I've got." Red mumbles, before grabbing the first paper of the stack, glancing over it and ticking the 'approved' box. He hated paperwork.

[gone4neow]

MIGHTY | ⓅⒸⓎ

c h a p t e r t w e l v e

- park chanyeol x oc

- mulan rewrite [very loosely inspired by the disney version]

- warnings : cursing, dark themes, extreme violence

- work count : 2,844

previous chapter or next chapter

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The next few days consisted of the same routine. The group would wake up in the morning, pack up, and move on to a new location. The soldiers were tired. Their limbs ached and their minds were growing restless. Though they were all trying their best to hang on to the last bit of determination hidden away in their bones. To Eunyeong, there was nothing more inspiring to see the group of men pushing forward together in an attempt to win the war. And so, her soul was lit with an untouchable fire.

The wound on her arm was slowly healing day by day. It still burned, but she was able to push the pain to the back of her mind for the most part. Despite trying her best to assure Baekhyun that she was okay, the man fawned over her like she was inches away from shattering into a million pieces. It was endearing, really, but the woman hated being treated as if she were so fragile.

"Why are you walking so slowly? Your arm was stabbed, not your feet," the general grumbled ahead of the woman. She followed closely behind him, cradling her injured arm close to her torso as they navigated through the forest trees.

"You're the one who suggested I come with you to get some water," the woman retorted. "You could've asked anyone else. Baekhyun has quite fast feet."

"You give him too much credit. The only time he moves quickly is when there's food involved," Chanyeol snickered.

"And Kyungsoo?"

"Someone has to watch over the group when I'm away."

"Then perhaps you should have come to get water on your own," Eunyeong scoffed. Immediately the man in front of her came to a halt. He turned and looked down at the woman just as she crashed into his chest. She looked up at him in surprise, not expecting him to be stopped right in front of her.

"I'm beginning to think you don't appreciate my company," the man hummed with distaste.

"What gave it away?" The woman played along with a small, taunting smile.

"You don't have to lie to me. I know you enjoy my company so much that you even dream about me," the man teased her. The smile on her face fell while she watched the corners of his lips curl.

"I don't dream about you," she breathed out quickly, a trace of bitterness in her voice. "Why would I do that?"

"You don't have to be so embarrassed. I-"

The man was cut off by the sound of something moving in the distance. Both the general and the soldier knelt on the ground instantly. They shared a worried glance before they averted their eyes away to search through the forest for a sign of an intruder. If the situation wasn't so tense the scene might have been funny. The pair were trying their best to hide behind trees that were far too thin to entirely conceal their figures. Their hands rested upon the handles of their weapons as if they were children awaiting a signal to start acting out an imaginative scene.

"I think it's safe, but I'm going to go do a quick scan just to be sure," Chanyeol announced when he grew impatient. "Stay here."

Eunyeong grabbed his wrist before he could completely leave her and pulled him back into a crouch. He looked at her with wide, confused eyes. She avoided his eyes for a few seconds before she finally released a soft sigh and looked at him.

"Can we not split up?" She asked softly. Her cheeks grew a bright shade of pink as embarrassment crept along her skin.

Chanyeol gave the woman a questioning look before suddenly his eyes narrowed in suspicion. Was the woman afraid? Upon the realization, his expression softened. Perhaps getting stabbed had affected her more than he realized. Or maybe the man who she had recognized was someone she feared.

"This is a war. How are you going to fight in a war if you're afraid?" The general asked her, hiding the sympathy he felt for the woman. Her eyes averted away from the man. He felt guilt crawl up his spine when he saw her head lower with shame.

Thunderous footsteps echoing off of the forest floor interrupted the man before he could say anything else. The pair looked up just as a figure emerged from the forest. Before either of them could react, the General was being tackled to the ground. His weapon that he had drawn fumbled out of his hands as he attempted to remove his attacker from his body.

Eunyeong rose to her feet and quickly approached the attacker. Knowing her arm would prove useless, she raised her right leg and gave a forceful kick against the man's side. He released a deep grunt as he fell off of the General and onto the ground. The woman moved quickly, pulling her dagger out and holding against the man's neck before the general could even process what had just happened.

"Howon," the woman called in a low tone. "Why are you doing this?"

"You wouldn't give in. I needed a way to get to you," the man admitted breathlessly.

"What does that even mean?" Eunyeong eyebrows furrowed with confusion.

"Don't you get it?" Howon asked as a smile formed on his face. "This war is mine. I started it. I knew your father would be selected. And I knew you'd be silly enough to pull this stunt."

Eunyeong's face scrunched up with revulsion at the revelation. The man sensed her shock and grabbed her wrist before jerking it roughly, sending the weapon in her hands flying across the forest. She released a whimper as pain shot up her hand.

"Don't touch him," the General commanded in a dangerous tone as he watched Howon sit up underneath the woman. Howon ignored the man as he grabbed Eunyeong's other wrist. His fingers dug into her skin like the stingers of the angriest wasps.

"I know it's hard to process, but that's the truth. If you want to see your parents again then you'll do as I say. If you don't, then I'll report you to the authorities. You wouldn't want that, would you?" The man spoke condescendingly towards the woman.

"Hey buddy, I'll end you right here right now if you don't let him go," the General threatened as he pressed the tip of his sword against the man's skull. Howon looked up at the man as if noticing him for the first time.

"You should really mind your own business," Howon snapped. "If I don't return to camp then there's a little letter that will be delivered directly to your father, pretty boy. Do you think I'm foolish enough to believe that you don't know about Eunyeong's true identity?"

Chanyeol paled at the information. He knew the situation he was now in was a possibility, but he hadn't planned for it to arrive so suddenly. Without having a plan to prevent such a catastrophe, he was left with little to no option but to let Howon control the situation. There was nothing in the world that made him feel so enraged. He had let the situation slip right out of his hands. What kind of leader was he?

"What is it t-that you want Howon?" Eunyeong stuttered out as she started to return from her state of shock.

"What I've always wanted: you," the man replied quickly as if he had been waiting for the question his entire life.

"And if I don't believe your story? You have n-no actual proof that you have power or authority over anything and yet you parade around t-the woods like you own the place." Eunyeong voice held fear in it, but her words were still confident. It was a sign that she was ready to fight no matter what. That alone made Chanyeol's chest swell with pride. He looked down at the man staring up at him and smirked. Checkmate.

"Is that what you think?" Howon snickered as he tilted his head while looking back at the woman. The woman hesitated but eventually gave a confident nod. The man beneath her suddenly gave a sharp whistle. Within just a few seconds, several men emerged from the trees and surrounded the trio. Their uniforms belonged to none other than the same enemies that they had been fighting for months. Eunyeong gasped as two of the men plucked her up from the ground. Chanyeol stood helpless as the men pointed their swords at him. Defeated, he lowered his weapon.

Howon rose to his feet in just a few seconds. The smile on his face was both radiant and patronizing. He had gotten them exactly where he wanted them and now there was nothing they could do. His plan was genius. Eunyeong's mind raced as she tried to conjure up an escape plan, but the sinking feeling in her gut told her that there was no out this time.

"So this war... was started by you? All for a woman that holds no admiration for you?" Chanyeol risked questioning with humor in his voice.

"This war was inevitable. It just so happened that the leader of this army gave me an opportunity to achieve my ambitions," Howon responded in a smooth tone.

"What's supposed to happen then? You and I get married and this war ends?" The woman asked with an expression of disgust on her face.

"Well don't look so excited," Howon replied. "Unfortunately this war cannot be stopped by me. I merely instigated it. Now it has to handle itself."

"Then what h-happens next?" She dared question further.

"I have plans for you and me to run off for a while until this mess cools down. Once it does, I'll bring you back to my village and we will be officially wedded. My family's been waiting for the perfect woman to come along to carry out the lineage," the man informed her.

The woman felt her stomach twist at his words. All her life she had wanted to be anything but another typical wife. Now, everything she had worked so hard for was vanishing right before her. Chanyeol watched the woman's face pale. He couldn't even fathom what kind of thoughts must have been going through her mind. Unfortunately, he was well too aware of his thoughts. There had not been a point in his life where he had ever felt so prepared to lose everything he had. Everything that he owned was nothing at that moment. Even his family had become a second thought. His heart and his mind were focused on the woman across from him.

She met his eyes a few seconds after the unsettling feeling had flooded through him. She could see a fire in his eyes that she had never before. At that moment she knew he was about to do something drastic. Her head shook slightly as she tried to stop him, but it was no use.

"Howon," he called with a venomous bite. "You won't be taking her anywhere. If she doesn't want to be with you, then she won't be."

Howon turned to look at the man with raised eyebrows at his tone. "And what exactly will stop me? If you're not aware, you're surrounded. Give it up pretty boy."

Not another word was shared before chaos broke out. The general turned and began to fight against the small army that had arrived with Howon. Eunyeong struggled as the men holding her gripped her tighter and tighter with every passing moment. She yelled out in anger as she watched Chanyeol fight against several men. He moved gracefully. Every attack he made was strategic and well thought out. But even so, there were too many. If he made any little mistake then it was over with for him. She knew the men would kill the General the first chance they got. Knowing his life was on the line evoked desperation from the woman, unlike any desperation she had felt before.

"Howon please - spare his life. I'll go with you! Just don't kill him!" Eunyeong cried out.

After a few more minutes of fighting against the men holding her in place, she finally broke free. Howon watched with parted lips as she stole one of the men's sword. Without hesitation, the blade in her hand sliced through the second man's throat. Howon felt himself grow lightheaded at the sight. He hadn't anticipated war turning the woman into a murderer. How was he supposed to marry someone that could potentially kill him at any given moment?

He stood frozen as he watched the woman and the general work together to deplete his group of men. Of course, he knew the general was no stranger to combat, but he hadn't expected to see such extreme talent. His heartbeat was racing in his chest. He wanted to run, but he couldn't look away from the woman who was becoming painted with the blood of his men. His feet were frozen in place.

When the number of his men had dwindled to almost nothing, he felt his flight kick in. Eunyeong, thankfully, caught sight of the man running before he could get too far ahead. She took off after him in a rush. Their feet thumped loudly against the soft earth beneath them as they ran. Howon's feet weren't confident in what direction they were going and after some time passed, the man tripped and rolled onto the forest floor.

"Oh, Howon..." Eunyeong called out in a pained voice. "What a shame that it's ending like this."

The man looked up at the woman with an expression of terror on his face. He tried crawling backward, hoping that by some miracle he would be able to escape her wrath. Unfortunately for him, she took slow, taunting steps with every move he made.

"Please, Eunyeong, don't do this. We can fix this," the man pleaded with her.

"Howon you can't fix this. You started a war. And now I am going to end it," she told the man with a frown on her face.

"You're going to kill me," the man whispered out in a shaky voice.

"Do I have a choice? We both know you won't rest until you get what you want. But I have some advice for you in regards to your next life - when a woman isn't interested in you, leave her alone," Eunyeong sighed. She clenched her eyes shut and lifted her sword before she brought it down in a rush.

A few minutes later, Eunyeong sat on a rock next to the river while the general crouched down next to the water. The woman watched him closely as he rose to his full height. He shook some water off of his hands before he turned and walked over towards her. Her eyes followed him as he crouched down beside her. Suddenly her heartbeat began to race.

"You shouldn't have gotten involved back there," he scolded her quietly as his large hand reach out and took her arm in his hold. She winced slightly, eyeing the bloody wound on her arm with disgust.

"I wasn't expecting you to be so crazy," she responded with a slight scoff. His eyes met hers for a few seconds before he looked back down at her wound. She watched his face closely as he brought a wet cloth up towards her arm. His eyebrows furrowed as he ran the material over her arm.

"So," the man started. "Your actual name is Eunyeong?"

The woman blinked down at him while her lips parted with surprise. She hated the way her heart skipped a beat at the sound of her name rolling off of his tongue. Even more so, she hated that even after everything that had just happened her mind was clouded with such provocative thoughts.

"Yes," she answered a moment of silence passed. The man glanced up at her, his lips curling slightly.

"It suits you," he commented quietly.

"Well I'm, uh, glad you think so. I would certainly hope so. If it didn't then I would have some trouble on my hands wouldn't I?" The woman rambled, her mind going in several different directions at once.

"Are you okay?" The man asked her with concern in her voice.

"Yes!" The woman answered almost too quickly. "It's just that I wasn't expecting this to happen."

"You should always expect the unexpected in war. Though, for someone who was caught off guard you handled the situation pretty well." The man replied absentmindedly as he continued washing the blood away from the woman's wound.

When his eyes snapped up to meet hers again, she forced a small smile upon her face. Perhaps she had handled that situation well, but that's not what she had been referring to. Her teeth dug into her tongue as she forced herself to keep this little secret of hers to herself. Some things were better left unsaid.

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a / n : hi!! this chapter is shorter than most but it’s packed with a lot of action + a lot of moments between eunyeong and chanyeol so hopefully that makes up for the length! as always, hope everyone enjoys this chapter and the story. xx